41% of Irish people overweight - survey

Almost 41% of Irish people are overweight and nearly 20% are obese, according to a survey conducted by Abbot Laboratories.

The research also found that Ireland is the only European country where overweight men outnumber overweight women.

Commenting on the findings, Dr Donal O'Shea from St Vincent's Hospital in Dublin said: "We are a nation that is becoming increasingly inactive and with that is putting on increasing amounts of weight."